Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has received the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sale and Lease of Government Assets, Companies and Markets in the state.
The report was presented to the governor at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, on Monday, by the chairman of the Commission, Justice S. Itodo (retd.).
He was represented by his Deputy, Dr Sam Ode, who received the documents on behalf of the state government.
Dr Ode acknowledged receipt of the Inspection Report, Volume II; Record of Proceedings, Volume I; and the Commission’s Report, Volume III, covering the various stages of the assignment between 2024 and 2026.
He expressed appreciation to Justice Itodo and members of the Commission for their service, describing the assignment as a patriotic responsibility undertaken in the interest of the state.
Dr Ode said the exercise had reinforced the importance of records in governance, stressing that government is the custodian of institutional memory and that the actions and inactions of public officials are preserved in official records and may ultimately become subjects of accountability.
He therefore urged public and civil servants to discharge their responsibilities diligently and creditably, noting that there is always a time for reckoning.
Dr Ode acknowledged the challenges encountered by the Commission and, on behalf of Governor Alia, apologised for any shortcomings or lapses experienced during the assignment.
He assured the Commission that the state government would study the report and work towards producing a White Paper for its full implementation, adding that the report would be transmitted to the Governor, the State Executive Council and other relevant authorities for further action.
Earlier, Justice Itodo said the Commission was established against the backdrop of concerns over the management and documentation of government assets accumulated under successive administrations.
He said the assets were spread across various locations, with inadequate records and management affecting their ability to generate returns and add value to the state.
According to him, the Commission’s principal mandate was to reconcile the state’s assets, determine those performing effectively and those that were not, and provide a basis for the government to properly harness and manage them going forward.
